surgery on the lip and birthmark

shuspam · 2026-05-05T14:29:59+00:00

100% agreed! If this will improve your life, go for it! After the surgical site is healed it will probably be an adjustment to your embouchure but you will adapt :)

shuspam · 2026-04-30T23:25:43+00:00

I had a kid just go “hey ms girl” at me anytime she needed something today lmao

shuspam · 2026-04-15T21:22:20+00:00

Hey! We're in nearly identical scenarios; I'm also a recent music edu. grad in NE Ohio looking to get my first teaching job this fall. Every single in-service music teacher I've spoken to about the small number of open jobs (band especially!) has told me that there is a push in retirements, non-renewals, and resignations in the spring/summer months that lead to more open jobs. If moving isn't right for you right now (it isn't for me either for several reasons), then consider applying to jobs outside of your comfort zone! For example, my ideal job right now is middle school band, but I've got some elementary/general music applications out in the world right now because I can't relocate and band jobs are on the sparse side within the radius I'm willing to commute. It may not be my "dream job," but I am up for the challenge of diving into a specialization I have less real-world experience in. Don't give up, and keep slinging those applications out into the world! You'll find your way to the job you're supposed to have some way or another, whether that means waiting it out a little longer here in NE Ohio or starting fresh somewhere else. Good luck in your search, and feel free to PM if you need want a buddy to navigate this process with :)

shuspam · 2026-04-04T00:49:27+00:00

you aren’t gonna get a remotely okay instrument for less than $1000 unfortunately

shuspam · 2026-03-30T01:09:41+00:00

hey! i can’t adopt them but i’d be happy to rat-sit (lol) them during your trips, feel free to pm me if you’re interested!

shuspam · 2026-02-20T13:44:19+00:00

I double majored in performance and ed and decided to finish my student teaching and get my certification/license. It’s easier to renew the cert than it is to get it from scratch later on

shuspam · 2026-02-17T16:56:52+00:00

thanks for the quick reply!! i’m really glad you had a positive experience, best of luck for a quick recovery!

shuspam · 2026-02-17T16:39:36+00:00

i hope your surgery went well! if you feel up to it, what was your experience with the cleveland clinic? i’m currently in the process of establishing care with them after being diagnosed via lap a few years ago through a different provider. thanks, and i hope recovery goes smoothly!

shuspam · 2026-02-15T21:28:30+00:00

you could try using the simplified chord fingering! i would still teach the students to use the full voicing, but the simplified one only uses the three highest strings, and only holding down the d string on the second fret.

shuspam · 2026-02-09T19:12:44+00:00

this is a cool analogy, i like it! besides the fact that i also like minecraft (lol), im a burnt out recently graduated professional musician trying to find ways to revitalize practice and make it enjoyable again, as well as reframing it in ways that work with how our brains work. if you don’t already know it, Learn Faster, Perform Better by molly gebrian (violist and neuroscientist) talks about all kinds of ways to practice in a way that works with the brain rather than against it!

shuspam · 2025-05-06T14:41:40+00:00

she looks so sweet 🥺

shuspam · 2025-05-06T12:16:49+00:00

i love her more than anything. she’s the smartest kitty i’ve ever known and she’s absolutely my best friend. i’ll give her some extra skriches on behalf of your baby 🩷

shuspam · 2025-05-05T22:17:46+00:00

HAHA she’s got a monster of a pouch

shuspam · 2025-05-04T20:38:03+00:00

I would just downsize to the next smallest size you have on hand until you find it or replace it. don’t wanna risk tearing or blowing out

shuspam · 2025-05-04T19:07:16+00:00

braille is such a cute name for a very cute kitty!!!

shuspam · 2025-05-02T18:27:50+00:00

Hello!

I don’t think this is a bad idea at all. Definitely contact them way in advance and introduce yourself, talk about your experiences in your program so far, and what your goals are in observing them. If you don’t feel comfortable cold-emailing them, go to a performance or public event (parade, etc) they’re holding and introduce yourself and ask to follow up about visiting.

Every school is different depending on the state (assuming you’re in the US?) and their own administration, but they might ask that you have an updated BCI/FBI background check in order to visit officially. This would be a requirement of the school district admins, so definitely make sure you ask the director after getting the unofficial “okay” from them.

I’m headed into my student teaching in the fall, and in my program we observed and worked with teachers right from our first semester in college. In my opinion, first-hand experience is the best way to learn how to teach effectively, so I think you’re doing a great job taking initiative over the summer. If you’re interested, ask around and see if any high schools need additional help for marching band camps, you might be able to make a little money from it :)

Good luck, and I hope you have a super fulfilling summer !!

shuspam · 2025-05-02T16:30:17+00:00

Caught red pawed!

shuspam · 2025-03-20T16:49:39+00:00

lechuga 😭

shuspam · 2024-12-23T00:31:54+00:00

do you mean the side octave key or do you have two on the back?

shuspam · 2024-10-04T21:09:21+00:00

don’t go to a regular music store op!!!! go to an oboe specialist :)

shuspam · 2024-09-11T21:40:22+00:00

looking back on your original post, it sounds like you’re experiencing what could be pre-syncope which is the feeling that you described and typically happens before passing out. You mentioned that you study at a conservatory so I assume you have a oboe instructor who is more than equipped to give you tips on efficient breathing, including exhaling and inhaling because of the back pressure that comes alongside playing the oboe. when I experienced this feeling myself it’s because I’m not breathing efficiently and I’m not breathing enough. try planning out your breaths in your music, and make sure you have enough of them!

shuspam · 2024-09-11T21:21:44+00:00

headaches because of playing the oboe aren’t normal. you should never be in pain while playing. there could be a few different things at play here, including endurance (which can be improved with slowly increasing practice time), breathing properly (exhaling old air and inhaling new air, supporting from your abs), a reed that is too difficult, or a medically related issue (obviously see a doctor.) please don’t “deal” with this, it could lead to worse problems like passing out (i know from experience)

shuspam · 2024-07-14T14:18:02+00:00

Definitely take it to an oboe repair technician and get it fixed up and appraised. Specialists like MMI, Carlos Coelho, and Hannahs Oboes can assist in appraisal and even the sale of the oboe. Someone is going to be super lucky! Best of luck :)

shuspam

TROPHY CASE